Description Pubic lice are smal...
Description
Pubic lice are small six-legged insects that generally infect the pubic region and lay eggs there. These lice can also be found in armpit hair and eyebrows. They are difficult to see without a magnifying glass, but their eggs show up as tiny bumps on hair follicles (nits). They cause intense itching and redness to the area.
Symptoms
Itching in the pubic region (often gets worse at night), bluish-gray discoloration to the skin, sores (lesions) in the genital area due to bites and scratching.
Tests
Common tests used for diagnosis and treatment
Workup:
A history and physical exam will be performed. The doctor can make the diagnosis by looking at the skin and genital area. Because pubic lice may cause an eyelid infection (blepharitis) in young children, their eyelashes should be examined with a high-powered magnifying glass. Adult lice can be identified under the microscope, and it is their crab like appearance that gives them their nickname of "crabs".
Specialists:
Internal Medicine, Pediatrics, Family Practice
Workup:
A history and physical exam will be performed. The doctor can make the diagnosis by looking at the skin and genital area. Because pubic lice may cause an eyelid infection (blepharitis) in young children, their eyelashes should be examined with a high-powered magnifying glass. Adult lice can be identified under the microscope, and it is their crab like appearance that gives them their nickname of "crabs".
Specialists:
Internal Medicine, Pediatrics, Family Practice
Treatment
The affected area should be washed thoroughly for 5 minutes with a prescription soap such as Elimite or Kwell. After completely rinsing with water the area should be combed with a fine tooth comb to remove any nits (eggs) attached to the hair. An additional treatment in 4-7 days is sometimes needed. Over the counter treatments include Rid or Nix. All clothes and linen should be washed with hot water, and items that cannot be washed should be treated with a medicated spray. Another alternative is to place the items in a sealed plastic bag for 2 weeks. All close and intimate contacts should be treated or at least examined for infection.